Dominion Energy Utah Starts Hydrogen Blending Project

SALT LAKE CITY — Dominion Energy Utah launched a hydrogen blending project in Delta, Utah, this week as part of an ongoing exploration of the opportunities inherent in the zero-carbon emissions fuel.   

Hydrogen is an emerging clean energy source that holds enormous potential. 

It can be used to heat homes and buildings, power manufacturing and fuel transportation — all with few or zero emissions.  

When combined with natural gas, hydrogen can be transported through existing infrastructure and used in appliances and equipment that are already utilizing natural gas. 

The blending in Delta’s pipelines is the next step of the ThermH2™ project, piloted by Dominion Energy Utah. The first phase was focused on blending hydrogen in the utility’s Training Academy to confirm hydrogen research that is currently available. 

A 5% hydrogen blend was tested for almost a year, finding that hydrogen was safe, compatible with current residential appliances and helpful in reducing emissions from appliances using already clean-burning natural gas. 

“The commencement of this project is very exciting for Dominion Energy Utah,” said Judd Cook, vice president and general manager of the Western Gas Distribution system, in a written statement. 

“We are always looking for ways to reduce emissions while still providing the reliable, affordable and safe service that our customers expect from us. This project provides an opportunity to do just that,” Cook said.     

Blending in Delta will occur over a multiyear period to reinforce the findings from the Training Academy and will help the utility achieve its goal of preparing its entire distribution system to be ready to blend by 2030. 

An up-to 5% blend will be introduced to the city as well as to the surrounding towns of Oasis, Hinckley and Deseret, serving about 1,800 customers. 

The project will begin with gray hydrogen and will upgrade to green hydrogen later this year. During the course of the project, the majority of hydrogen blended will be green hydrogen made from renewable energy.

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